Expandable hand truck

ABSTRACT

A hand truck having a plurality of hingeably engaged sides that is expandable from a closed position dimensioned to fit through a standard doorway, to an open position to form a movable platform having a swing out support frame having an upper end hingedly attached to the rear side of the center frame which is movable between an extended position and a stored position. A corresponding sofa dolly and a platform enclosure is also disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Pat. No. 11,192,566,filed Feb. 19, 2021 as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/180,637,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application No.62/979,377 filed Feb. 20, 2020, and U.S. Provisional patent applicationNo. 63/068,679 filed Aug. 21, 2020, the entire contents of which arefully incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

Various embodiments of the invention pertain to a hand truck expandableinto a platform. Preferably, a movable platform having a closed positionwhich can fit through a standard doorway and an open position whichprovides the storage platform.

BACKGROUND

Hand trucks have long been used for quickly and easily moving heavyand/or bulky loads. Typically, a hand truck has an upright frame and isconstructed to provide strength with minimal weight. A wheel assembly isattached to the lower or bottom end of the frame, typically withbrackets for holding an axle to which the wheels are attached, and/orusing individual wheels attached to the frame. Hand trucks alsotypically include a forward extending lift plate, also known in the artas a nose plate, to a front side of the frame at the lower end. Mosthand trucks further include a handle attached to the frame at the upperend suitable for grasping, maneuvering, and propelling the hand truck.Importantly, hand trucks must be limited in width so that they arecapable of fitting through typically sized doorways, the minimum doorwaysize being 24″. While hand trucks are useful for moving items, handtrucks are typically not wide enough to support items once moved.

EP 1,961,692 is directed to a hand truck having an expandable load bedor deck in which a central rack flanked by a pair of movable sectionsexpands for transporting wide loads with stability.

CA 2,762,543 is directed to a hand truck having a second set of wheelsproximate to the handle to allow movement of the hand truck when theframe is parallel to a floor or other supporting surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,602 to Sanders, U.S. Pat. No. 1,418,754 toVangiesen, U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,433 to Stevens, U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,987to Della, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,163,213 to Vecchia are directed to varioustypes of hand trucks. Vecchia is directed to a hand truck having asecond set of wheels proximate to the handle to allow movement of thehand truck when the frame is parallel to a floor or other supportingsurface, which is further equipped with an electric motor.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,100,430 is directed to a multi-mode hand truckconvertible to assume a hand-truck mode, a reclined load-assist mode,and a push-cart mode.

However, relocation of an item using a hand truck, e.g., for renovationor repair of the structure in which the item is located, requires theitem to be moved using a hand truck from location to location. There isa need in the art to provide a hand truck which allows for movablestorage of an item.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that arefurther described below in the detailed description. This summary is notintended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope ofthe claimed subject matter.

In an embodiment, A hand truck comprises a plurality of frames, eachdefining a top end separated from a bottom end by a height; a first sidecomprising a first side member separated from a second side comprising asecond side member by a width, and further comprising at least one crossmember extending between the first side member and the second sidemember; a deck attached to a front side of one or more of the firstside, the second side or the at least one cross member, dimensioned andarranged to cover at least a portion of the width and the height definedby the frame; wherein one of the plurality of frames forms a centerframe and comprises a wheel assembly attached to a rear side of thecenter frame, proximate to the bottom end and comprising at least onewheel adapted to facilitate a rolling movement of the hand truck over anexternal surface; each of the remaining plurality of frames forming sideframes, wherein the first side of the center frame is hingedly attachedto a second side of a first side frame; moveable between an openposition and a closed position such that in the open position, the deckof the center frame is essentially coplanar with a deck of the firstside frame, and in the closed position the deck of the center frame isnon-coplanar with the deck of the first side frame; wherein the secondside of the center frame is hingedly attached to a first side of a thirdside frame; moveable between an open position and a closed position suchthat in the open position, the deck of the center frame is essentiallycoplanar with a deck of the third side frame, and in the closed positionthe deck of the center frame is non-coplanar with the deck of the thirdside frame; a swing out support frame having an upper end hingedlyattached to the rear side of the center frame which is movable betweenan extended position and a stored position; the support framedimensioned and arranged such that when in the stored position, a lowerend of the support frame is near and/or in contact with a cross memberof the center frame and does not extend below the bottom of the centerframe, and when in the extended position, the lower end of the supportframe extends a distance away from the side members such that thesupport frame forms an angle of greater than about 10° and less than90°, determined relative to the side members of the center frame.

In another embodiment, a hand truck comprises a plurality of frames,each defining a top end separated from a bottom end by a height; eachframe comprising a first side comprising a first side member separatedfrom a second side comprising a second side member by a width, andfurther comprising at least one cross member extending between the firstside member and the second side member, and a deck attached to a frontside of one or more of the first side, the second side or the at leastone cross member, dimensioned and arranged to cover at least a portionof the width and the height defined by the frame; wherein one of theplurality of frames forms a center frame and comprises a wheel assemblyattached to a rear side of the center frame, proximate to the bottom endand comprising at least one wheel adapted to facilitate a rollingmovement of the hand truck over an external surface; the remainingplurality of frames each forming one of a plurality of side frames;wherein the first side of the center frame is hingedly attached to asecond side of a first side frame and a first side of the first sideframe is hingedly attached to a second side of a second side frame;wherein the second side of the center frame is hingedly attached to afirst side of a third side frame and a second side of the third sideframe is hingedly attached to a first side of a fourth side frame;wherein each of the side frames are moveable between an open positionand a closed position such that in the open position, the deck of thecenter frame is essentially coplanar with the deck of each side frame,and in the closed position, the deck of the center frame is non-coplanarwith the deck of each side frame; wherein each of the frames have atotal height of greater than or equal to about 48 inches; and whereinthe hand truck has a total width of less than or equal to about 30inches when all of the side frames are in their respective closedpositions, and wherein the hand truck has a total width of greater thanor equal to about 70 inches when all of the side frames are in theirrespective open positions; a swing out support frame having an upper endhingedly attached to the rear side of the center frame which is movablebetween an extended position and a stored position; the support framedimensioned and arranged such that when in the stored position, a lowerend of the support frame is near and/or in contact with a cross memberof the center frame and does not extend below the bottom of the centerframe, and when in the extended position, the lower end of the supportframe extends a distance away from the side members such that thesupport frame forms an angle of greater than about 20° and less than45°, determined relative to the side members of the center frame.

In other embodiments, a hand truck comprises a plurality of frames, eachdefining a top end separated from a bottom end by a height; a first sidecomprising a first side member separated from a second side comprising asecond side member by a width, and further comprising at least one crossmember extending between the first side member and the second sidemember; a deck attached to a front side of one or more of the firstside, the second side or the at least one cross member, dimensioned andarranged to cover at least a portion of the width and the height definedby the frame; wherein one of the plurality of frames forms a centerframe and comprises a wheel assembly attached to a rear side of thecenter frame, proximate to the bottom end and comprising at least onewheel adapted to facilitate a rolling movement of the hand truck over anexternal surface; each of the remaining plurality of frames forming sideframes, wherein the first side of the center frame is hingedly attachedto a second side of a first side frame; moveable between an openposition and a closed position such that in the open position, the deckof the center frame is essentially coplanar with a deck of the firstside frame, and in the closed position the deck of the center frame isnon-coplanar with the deck of the first side frame; and wherein a firstside of the first side frame is hingedly attached to a second side of asecond side frame movable between an open position and a closed positionsuch that in the open position, the deck of the first side frame isessentially coplanar with a deck of the second side frame, and in theclosed position, the deck of the first side frame is non-coplanar withthe deck of the center frame; a swing out support frame having an upperend hingedly attached to the rear side of the center frame which ismovable between an extended position and a stored position; the supportframe dimensioned and arranged such that when in the stored position, alower end of the support frame is near and/or in contact with a crossmember of the center frame and does not extend below the bottom of thecenter frame, and when in the extended position, the lower end of thesupport frame extends a distance away from the side members such thatthe support frame forms an angle of greater than about 20° and less than45°, determined relative to the side members of the center frame.

In an embodiment, a sofa dolly comprises a base defining a horizontalplane oriented parallel to a support surface, the base having a frontside separated from a rear side by a depth and a right side separatedfrom a left side by a width; a plurality of vertical supports extendingvertically away from the base having a lower support end engaged withthe base separated from an upper support end by a height; each of thesupports further comprising a support arm having an inner arm endengaged with the upper support end and separated from an outer arm endby an arm length, the support arm positionable to extend away from thevertical support parallel to the horizontal plane of the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the hand truck are described with reference to thefollowing figures.

The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference likefeatures and components in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded top down perspective view of a hand truck in thefully open position according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded rear upward perspective view of a hand truck inthe fully open position according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a top down perspective view of two hand trucks, each in apartially closed position according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a rear side perspective view of the hand truck shown in FIG. 1in the closed position according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of a releasably engaged hinge betweentwo frames in a released orientation, according to an embodiment of thisdisclosure;

FIG. 5B is a top perspective view of the releasably engaged hinge ofFIG. 5A between two frames in an attached orientation according to anembodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a side on view of the bottom end of a hand truck in the fullyopen position according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an upward looking perspective view of the hand truck in theopen position showing engagement of the engagement strip with the centerframe according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 8 is an upward looking perspective view of a hand truck in the openposition showing engagement of the engagement strip with the centerframe according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of two hand trucks in the fully openposition joined together top to bottom with a two-pin connector with onehaving the nose plate in the folded orientation according to anembodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 9B is a top perspective view of a two-pin connector shown in FIG.9A according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 10 is top down view of a hand truck in the open position without anose plate and with a non-movable handle according to alternativeembodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a top down perspective view of a hand truck in the openposition showing engagement of the engagement strip with the centerframe and having a non-movable handle according to an embodiment of thisdisclosure;

FIG. 12 is a perspective drawing shown walls of an enclosure about theperimeter of the dolly according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a side on perspective view showing a pair of squared offU-shaped supports extending vertically from the deck of the dollyaccording to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a rear on view showing a pair of sofas being stored under andon the vertical U-shaped supports shown in FIG. 13, according to anembodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the hand truck inthe closed position with the swing out support frame in the storageposition;

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the hand truck inthe open position with the swing out support frame in the storageposition;

FIG. 17 is a side partial perspective view of an embodiment of the handtruck with the swing out support frame in the extended position;

FIG. 18 is a side partial perspective view of an embodiment of the handtruck with the swing out support frame in the closed or storageposition;

FIG. 19 is a side partial perspective view of a support frame accordingto embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a front on view of a support frame according to embodimentsof the disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a side partial perspective view of a support frame lockingmechanism according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a side perspective exploded view of an embodiment of the handtruck in the open position with the swing out support frame in thestorage position showing the support attachment to the rear of the handtruck;

FIG. 23 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the hand truck inthe open position with the swing out support frame in the storageposition showing the support attachment to the rear of the hand truck;

FIG. 24 is a top down perspective view of an embodiment of the handtruck in the open position showing the support engaged with the top deckof the hand truck;

FIG. 25 is a side view of an embodiment of the sofa dolly in theextended position;

FIG. 26 is a top down perspective view of an embodiment of the sofadolly in the extended position;

FIG. 27 is a side view of an embodiment of the sofa dolly in thenon-extended or storage position;

FIG. 28 is a rear facing view of an embodiment of the sofa dolly in theextended position;

FIG. 29 is a side view of an embodiment showing two dollies in theextended position;

FIG. 30 is a side view of an embodiment showing two dollies in theextended position connected to one another via a lateral connector; and

FIG. 31 is a top down perspective view of an embodiment showing a sofadolly comprising a lateral connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At the outset, it should be noted that in the development of any suchactual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must bemade to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance withsystem related and business-related constraints, which will vary fromone implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated thatsuch a development effort might be complex and time consuming but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of this disclosure. In addition, the device orcomposition used/disclosed herein can also comprise some componentsother than those cited. In the summary and this detailed description,each numerical value should be read once as modified by the term “about”(unless already expressly so modified), and then read again as not somodified unless otherwise indicated in context. Also, in the summary andthis detailed description, it should be understood that a physical rangelisted or described as being useful, suitable, or the like, is intendedthat any and every value within the range, including the end points, isto be considered as having been stated. For example, “a range of from 1to 10” is to be read as indicating each and every possible number alongthe continuum between about 1 and about 10. Thus, even if specific datapoints within the range, or even no data points within the range, areexplicitly identified or refer to only a few specific, it is to beunderstood that inventors appreciate and understand that any and alldata points within the range are to be considered to have beenspecified, and that inventors possessed knowledge of the entire rangeand all points within the range.

The following definitions are provided in order to aid those skilled inthe art in understanding the detailed description.

As used in the specification and claims, “near” is inclusive of “at.”All numerical values within the detailed description and the claimsherein are modified by “about” or “approximately” the indicated value,and take into account experimental error and variations that would beexpected by a person having ordinary skill in the art. The term “and/or”refers to both the inclusive “and” case and the exclusive “or” case,whereas the term “and or” refers to the inclusive “and” case only, andsuch terms are used herein for brevity. For example, a compositioncomprising “A and/or B” may comprise A alone, B alone, or both A and B;and a composition comprising “A and or B” may comprise A alone, or bothA and B.

The term “consisting essentially of” in reference to a composition isunderstood to mean that in addition to the indicated component, thedevice may further include additional components to the extent that theadditional components do not substantially interfere with the essentialfunction. The term “essentially” indicates the stated property, e.g.,two surfaces which are essentially coplanar, indicates that the termdoes not rely on a strict mathematical interpretation of coplanar, but ageneral appearance of two surfaces which would be considered to form aflat surface as is commonly understood in the art.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, oneskilled in the art would recognize that the invention might be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well known methods,procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so asnot to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the invention. Likewise, certainterminology is used to describe certain features of one or moreembodiments of the instant disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, a hand truck comprises a plurality offrames, each of the frames defining a top end separated from a bottomend by a height and a first side comprising a first member separatedfrom a second side comprising a second side member by a width. Inembodiments, the frames further comprise at least one cross memberextending between the first side member and the second side member. Thehand truck further includes a deck attached to a front side of one ormore of the first side of the frame, the second side of the frame,and/or one or more cross members that makeup the frame. The deck isdimensioned e.g., height and width, and arranged to cover at least aportion of the width and the height defined by the frame. Preferablymost if not all of the area defined by the frame is covered by the deck,except for holes and other attachment points as will be describedherein. One of this plurality of frames forms a center frame. The centerframe comprises a wheel assembly attached to a rear side of the centerframe, proximate to the bottom end and comprising at least one wheeladapted to facilitate a rolling movement of the hand truck over anexternal surface. Each of the remaining plurality of frames form sideframes two of which may be attached to opposite sides of the centerframe and the remaining frames, when present, attach to other sideframes. In an embodiment, the first side of the center frame is hingedlyattached to a second side of a first side frame; moveable between anopen position and a closed position such that in the open position, thedeck of the center frame is essentially coplanar with a deck of thefirst side frame, and in the closed position the deck of the centerframe is non-coplanar with the deck of the first side frame. The handtruck further comprising a swing out support frame having an upper endhingedly attached to the rear side of the center frame which is movablebetween an extended position and a stored position. The support framedimensioned and arranged such that when in the stored position, e.g., afolded up position when not in use, a lower end of the support frame isnear and/or in contact with a cross member of the center frame and doesnot extend below the bottom of the center frame, and when in theextended position, the lower end of the support frame extends a distanceaway from the side members such that the support frame forms an angle ofgreater than about 10° and less than 90°, which in embodiments is fromabout 20° to 45° determined relative to the side members of the centerframe. Accordingly, when in the extended position, the support frameallows the dolly to be tilted backward forming a triangular rollingstructure to facilitate movement when in the closed position.

In embodiments, the support frame has a width less than or equal to aninner width between the two side members of the center frame. Inembodiments, the support frame forms an angle of greater than about 20°and less than 45° when in the extended position. In some embodiments,the support frame is releasably engageable with the rear side of thecenter frame at a point between the upper end and the lower end of thesupport frame, which lockingly engages the support frame into theextended position. In some of such embodiments, the support framecomprises a locking arm hingedly attached to the support frame on afirst end, and an open slot disposed through a second end dimensionedand arranged to engage a pin attached to the rear of the center frame.

In embodiments, the support frame further comprises one or more wheelsadapted to facilitate a rolling movement of the hand truck over anexternal surface when in the extended position. In embodiments, the handtruck further comprises one or more handles, each extending away fromand attached to the rear side of a corresponding side frame.

In embodiments, the hand truck further comprises two or more U-shapedsupports comprising two vertical portions connected to a horizontalportion, each of the vertical portions having a first end releasablyengaged with one or more frames, and/or the deck to extend away from thedeck such that the horizontal portion is oriented essentially parallelto the deck between the two vertical portions; wherein the U-shapedsupport is dimensioned and arranged to removably engage the rear side ofthe frame such that the support is essentially coplanar with the sidemembers when the first end of the support is not engaged with one ormore frames, and/or the deck to extend away from the deck. In some ofsuch embodiments, the U-shaped support has a width less than or equal tothe width of the frame. In embodiments, the U-shaped support removablyengages the rear side of the frame via one or more pins, clips, or acombination thereof.

In embodiments, a first side of the first side frame is hingedlyattached to a second side of a second side frame movable between an openposition and a closed position such that in the open position, the deckof the first side frame is essentially coplanar with a deck of thesecond side frame, and in the closed position, the deck of the firstside frame is non-coplanar with the deck of the center frame. Inembodiments, in the closed position, a front side of the deck of thefirst side frame directly faces and is oriented essentially parallel toa front side of the deck of the second side frame.

In embodiments, a second side of the third side frame is hingedlyattached to a first side of a fourth side frame movable between an openposition and a closed position such that in the open position, the deckof the third side frame is essentially coplanar with a deck of thefourth side frame, and in the closed position the deck of the third sideframe is non-coplanar with the deck of the center frame. In embodiments,when in the closed position, a front side of the deck of the third sideframe directly faces and is oriented essentially parallel to a frontside of the deck of the fourth side frame.

In embodiments, when all of the plurality of side frames are in the openposition, the decks of the side frames and the deck of the center frameare essentially coplanar, and when all of the plurality of side framesare in the closed position, the decks of each side frame is essentiallyperpendicular to the deck of the center frame.

In embodiments, each side frame comprises at least one rear supportattached to and extending away from a rear side of the correspondingside frame.

In some embodiments, one or more of the side frames is removablyhingedly attached to the center frame, to another side frame, or both.In embodiments, the hand truck further comprises one or more connectorholes, clasps, or engagement points dimensioned and arranged to allowreleasable engagement between at least one additional hand truck along atop end, a bottom end or a side when all of the side frames of each handtruck are in their open positions.

Turning now to the figures in which FIG. 1 shows an exploded top downperspective view of a hand truck, generally referred to as 10, in thefully open position 12 according to an embodiment of this disclosure andFIG. 2 is an exploded rear upward perspective view of a hand truck 10 inthe fully open position 12 according to one or more embodiments of thisdisclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, in one or more embodiments, a hand truck 10comprises a plurality of frames, generally referred to as 16. FIGS. 1and 2 show five (5) of such frames, a center frame 54, a first sideframe 56, a second side frame 58, a third side frame 60 and a fourthside frame 62, with only one of the frames being labeled in detail forclarity. However, it is to be understood that the number of frames maybe any number greater than or equal to 2, and that the frames may besymmetrically arranged about the center frame as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,or unsymmetrically arranged. Furthermore, the frames need not be of thesame size and shape. The frames need only comprises a plurality of sidesand may assume any shape, with a rectangular shape or a rectangularshape with rounded corners being preferred.

Each frame 16 defining a top end 18 separated from a bottom end 20 by aheight 22. Each frame includes a first side 24 comprising a first sidemember 26 separated from a second side 28 comprising a second sidemember 30 by a width 32. The frames further comprise at least one crossmember e.g., a bottom cross member 34, a lower middle cross member 36,an upper middle cross member 38, and a top cross member 40 are shown,extending between the first side member 26 and the second side member30. The top end 18, the bottom end 20 and the two sides 24 and 28 definea frame area 42. The frames further include a deck 44 attached to afront side 46 of one or more of the first side 24, e.g., the first sidemember 26, the second side 28, e.g., the second side member 30 or thecross members 34, 36, 38, and/or 40. The deck 44 is dimensioned, i.e.,having a deck height 48 and a deck width 50 and arranged to cover(indicated by arrow 52) at least a portion of the width 32 and theheight 22 defined by the frame 16.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, one of the plurality of frames forms centerframe 54 and comprises a wheel assembly 64 attached to a 5 66 of thecenter frame 54, proximate to the bottom end 20 and comprising at leastone wheel 68 adapted to facilitate a rolling movement of the hand truck10 over an external surface. As is further shown in the figure, thewheel assembly 64 may be a wheel having an individual axle, but may alsoinclude a two wheel with a common axle as is common in the art. As isfurther shown, the rear side 66 of the center frame 54 may furtherinclude a stair crawler 80, one or more resting supports 82, a documentor accessory container 84, and/or the like. As shown, each of theremaining plurality of frames 56, 58, 60 and 62 form the side frames,wherein the first side 26 of the center frame 54 is hingedly attached70, e.g., via a hinge, to a second side 28 of a first side frame 56. Thefirst side frame 56 is moveable 72 between an open position 12 and a 5position 14 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) such that in the open position 12, thedeck 44 of the center frame 54 is essentially coplanar with the deck 44of the first side frame 56.

FIG. 3 is a top down perspective view of two hand trucks 10, each in apartially closed position 14′ according to an embodiment of thisdisclosure. FIG. 4 shows a rear perspective view of the hand truck 10 inthe fully closed position 14. As shown in the figures, in the closedposition 14, the deck 44 of the center frame 54 is non-coplanar with thedeck 44 of the first side frame 56. As partially shown in FIG. 3, and asshown in FIG. 4, in an embodiment, the deck 44 of the center frame 54 isessentially perpendicular to the deck of the first side frame 56 and thedeck of the second side frame 58, the deck of the third side frame 60and the deck of the fourth side frame 62 when the hand truck 10 is inthe fully closed position 14.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, in an embodiment, a first side 24 of thefirst side frame 56 is hingedly attached 70 to a second side 28 of asecond side frame 58 movable 72 between an open position 12 and a closedposition 14 such that in the open position 12, the deck 44 of the firstside frame 56 is essentially coplanar with a deck 44 of the second sideframe 58, and in the closed position 12, the deck 44 of the first sideframe 56 is non-coplanar with the deck 44 of the second side frame 58.In the embodiment shown, when in the closed position 14 or partialclosed position 14′, a front side 74 of the deck 44 of the first sideframe 56 directly faces and is oriented essentially parallel to 76 afront side 74 of the deck 44 of the second side frame 58.

In a similar way, in one or more embodiments, the hand truck 10comprises a third side frame 60 in which the second side 28 of thecenter frame 54 is hingedly attached 70 to a first side 26 of the thirdside frame 60; moveable 72 between an open position 12 and a closedposition 14 such that in the open position 12, the deck 44 of the centerframe 54 is essentially coplanar with a deck 44 of the third side frame60, and in the closed position 14 or 14′, the deck 44 of the centerframe 54 is non-coplanar with the deck 44 of the third side frame 60.

In embodiments, the second side 28 of the third side frame 60 ishingedly attached 70 to a first side 26 of the fourth side frame 62movable 72 between an open position 12 and a closed position 14 or 14′such that in the open position 12, the deck 44 of the third side frame60 is essentially coplanar with a deck 44 of the fourth side frame 62,and in the closed position 14 or 14′, the deck 44 of the third sideframe 60 is non-coplanar with the deck 44 of the fourth side frame 62.

Similar to above, in embodiments, wherein in the closed position 14 or14′, a front side 74 of the deck 44 of the third side frame 60 directlyfaces and is oriented essentially parallel to 76 a front side 74 of thedeck 44 of the fourth side frame 62.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in embodiments of the hand truck 10, when allof the side frames 56, 58, 60, and 62 are in the fully open position 12,the decks 44 of the side frames 56, 58, 60, and 62 and the deck 44 ofthe center frame 54 are essentially coplanar, and in the fully closedposition 14, the decks 44 of the side frames 56, 58, 60, and 62 areessentially perpendicular 78 to the deck 44 of the center frame 54.

In embodiments, the center frame 54 may further comprise a nose plate 86attached to the deck 44, the frame e.g., frame members 26 and 30 and/ora cross member such as bottom cross member 34, or both. The nose plate86 is disposed at or proximate to the bottom end 20 and has an extendedorientation 88 extending away from the deck 44 of the center frame 54.In an embodiment, the nose plate 86 is hingedly attached 90 to the deck,one or more frame members, or both, movable 92 between the extendedorientation 88 and a folded orientation 100 (see FIG. 9A) in which thenose plate 86 is oriented essentially parallel to the deck 44 of thecenter frame 54. As shown in FIG. 6, the center frame 54 furthercomprises one or more nose supports 94 movably attached 96 to the framedirectly below the nose plate, and movable between a supportingorientation 98 extending essentially perpendicularly away from the deck44 and the frame 54 such that the nose plate 86 is supported by nosesupports 94 when in the supporting position 98 (see FIG. 6, and aretracted orientation 100 (FIG. 9A) in which the nose supports areoriented essentially parallel to the at least one cross member (e.g.,bottom cross member 34).

As shown in FIG. 2, of the bottom end of a hand truck in the fully openposition shows the nose plate of a hand truck in the extended position,in embodiments, each of the side frames e.g., 56 and 60, comprise atleast one rear support 102 attached to and extending away from a rearside 66 of the corresponding side frame e.g., 56.

As shown in FIG. 8, in embodiments, the wheel assembly 64 extends afirst distance 104 away from the rear side 66 of the center frame 56 andthe rear support 102 extends away from the corresponding side frame,e.g., first side frame 56, by a second distance 106 which is greaterthan the first distance, such that when the hand truck 10 is orientedparallel to a supporting surface 108 and each of the side frames are inthe open position 12, the wheel assembly 64 is not in contact with thesupporting surface 108.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in embodiments, the side frame e.g., firstside frame 56 or third side frame 60, which is directly attached to thecenter frame 54 comprises one or more engagement strips 154. Preferablythe engagement strips 154 run along the outer edge of the side members26 and 30. The engagement strips 154 are each attached to a rear side 66of the first side member 26 and/or the second side member 30 of therespective side frame, and extend away from the respective side member.The engagement strips 154 are dimensioned and arranged to frictionallyengage the rear side 66 of the frame to which that frame is attached,e.g., the center side frame 54 and/or the other side frame attachedthereto, when the side frames are in the open position 12. Although theengagement strips may not engage the side member of the adjacent frameat all times, they provide a frictional engagement which holds theframes in the open position.

As is also shown in FIG. 7, in embodiments, the handle assembly may beslidably engaged with the frame or in some embodiments, the handleassembly may be fixed to the center frame in a stationary position. Asis also shown in FIG. 10, in embodiments, the hand truck does notinclude a nose plate, and/or the nose plate is removable from the handtruck.

As shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments the side frame(s) directlyattached to the center frame 54, e.g., first side frame 56 and thirdside frame 60, comprise a plurality of rear supports 102 where at leastone of the rear supports 102 is attached to the rear of the side frameproximate to the first side (102′) and at least of the rear supports isattached to the rear of the side frame proximate to the second side(102″). In some embodiments, each terminal side frame, i.e., a sideframe only attached to one other side frame e.g., second side frame 58and fourth side frame 62, comprises at least one rear support 102,preferably attached proximate to the unattached side 110, i.e., the sideopposite the side attached to the other side frame.

In embodiments, the rear supports comprise pegs, pedestals, skids,castors as shown, rollers, or a combination thereof. As shown in FIG. 2,the supports are swiveling castors and are located along the frame sidemembers 26 and 30.

In embodiments, the center frame 54 further comprises a handle assembly116, disposed at the top end 18. FIG. 10 shows a top perspective view ofthe top end 18 of a center frame 54 showing the handle assembly 116 inthe non-extended position 118. FIG. 4 shows the handle assembly 116 inan extended position 120. In some embodiments, the handle assembly 116is movably engaged with the first side member 26 and the second sidemember 30, e.g., via a telescoping arrangement, such that the handleassembly 116 has a non-extended position 118 in which the handleassembly 116 is located at, near or below the top end 18 of the frame,and an extended position 120 in which the handle assembly 116 extendsaway from the top end 18, preferably in a direction parallel to the deck44.

The utility of a hand truck is determined by the load carrying abilityand the overall dimensions, which must allow the hand truck to fitthrough doors, hallways, up ramps, and the like. In embodiments, thehand truck 10 has a total height 22 (See FIG. 10) of greater than orequal to about 36 inches, preferably from about 36 inches to about 60inches or more. In embodiments, the total width in the closed position117 (See FIG. 4, which includes the castors or other supports) issufficient to allow the dolly in the fully closed position to fitthrough a standard doorway, e.g., is less than or equal to about 30inches or less than or equal to about 24 inches including the supports102 when all of the side frames are in their respective closedpositions. This allows the hand truck of the instant disclosure to fitwithin any standard doorway. As shown in FIG. 10, in an embodiment, thetotal width of the hand truck in the fully open position 12 is greaterthan or equal to about 60 inches, preferably greater than or equal toabout 72 inches, with greater than or equal to about 120 inches beingpreferred. Accordingly, in the totally open position 12, the hand truckforms a movable platform which is preferably about 5 ft by 10 ft, whichcan be rolled into a typical room through a standard 24″ doorway when inthe totally closed position 14.

The hand truck is preferably fabricated out of extruded aluminum frameswith 2-6 mm (⅛″-¼″) or thicker aluminum decking attached thereto. Theside members 28 and 30 are preferably welded to the one or more crossmembers and the intersection of the cross members with the side membersis reinforced 114, which may further provide a structure for mounting ofthe rear supports 102. In embodiments, the hand truck 10 in the fullyopen position 12 is capable of supporting greater than or equal to about500 lbs, preferably greater than or equal to about 750 lbs, preferablygreater than or equal to about 1000 lbs, with greater than or equal toabout 1500 lbs being more preferred. As shown in FIG. 4, the hingedattachment of the side frames to the center frame and/or to each othermay, in some embodiments, be made by means of a continuous or pianohinge, and/or other substantial hinges suitable for the intendedpurpose.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in embodiments, one or more of the sideframes, e.g., 56, is removably hingedly attached 122 to the center frame54, and/or to another side frame, or both. FIG. 5A is a top perspectiveview of a releasably engaged hinge between two frames in a releasedorientation and FIG. 5B is the same view of the two frames engaged viahinge 122, i.e., in an attached orientation according to an embodimentof this disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a top down perspective view of a hand truck 10 in the fullyopen position 12 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As isshown in the figure, in embodiments the frames further comprise one ormore connector holes 124 disposed through one or more decks 44dimensioned and arranged to allow releasable engagement between at leastone additional hand truck along a top end 18, a bottom end 20 or a side24 or 26 when all of the side members e.g., 56, 58, 60 and 62 are intheir open positions relative to each other and to center frame 54. Asshown in FIG. 9A, which is a top perspective view of the two hand trucks10 and 10′ in the fully open position 12 joined together top end 18 tobottom end 20. As shown in the figure, the attachment may be made bymeans of a rope and/or with a purpose built two-pin connector 128 asshown in FIG. 9B. In embodiments, the attachment points comprise holes,loops, rings, swivels, cleats, or a combination thereof, suitable forattachment of a rope, strap, or cable thereto.

As is further shown in FIG. 9A, the nose plate of one of the hand trucksis in the folded orientation 100 according to an embodiment of thisdisclosure. As shown in FIG. 9B, the two pin connector 128 comprises twopins 130 and 132 oriented perpendicular to and extending away from aback member 134, dimensioned to allow engagement of the first pin 130within a connector hole 124 of the hand truck 10′ and engagement of thesecond pin 132 within a connector hole 124 of the other hand truck 10.In some embodiments, the connector 128 may include a locking pin 136which engages the pin 130 with the side member 26 or 30.

In some embodiments, the dolly further comprises one or more attachmentpoints engaged on or with the deck and/or the frame members of one ormore frames, to which a handle may be removably attachable theretoallowing for movement of the hand truck while in an open position anddisposed on a supporting surface.

As shown in FIG. 16, in one or more embodiments, at least one side framecomprises a stage handle attachment comprising a hole disposed through adeck at least partially into a frame member or a cross member,dimensioned to receive a removable stage handle therein, such that thestage handle is oriented essentially perpendicular away from the deck.In an alternative embodiment, one or both of the frames having a framesides not engaged with another frame comprises a movable stage handlerotationally engaged with the non-engaged frame side, having an upposition oriented essentially perpendicular to the deck and a downposition oriented essentially parallel to or below the deck.

Turning now to FIG. 12, in embodiments the hand truck may furtherinclude a collapsible enclosure 200, which covers at least a portion ofthe deck when the frames are in the open position. In embodiments, theenclosure comprises a plurality of walls 202, 206, 208 and 210, along aperimeter 212 of the open deck, i.e., two of the sides and each of theupper ends and each of the lower ends of the plurality of frames form adeck perimeter when in the open position. The enclosure is preferablysuitable to protect the contents therein from dust and othercontaminants, and/or provides a water resistant covering to protect thecontents disposed therein. In embodiments, the plurality of walls arereleasably engaged with one or more of the frames, the deck, or both,extending vertically away from the deck when in the open position aboutat least a portion of the deck perimeter. In some embodiments, theenclosure comprises at least four walls disposed about the entireperimeter of the open deck along with one or more top panels engagedwith at least two of the walls oriented parallel to the deck forming anenclosure about the perimeter of the deck. In some embodiments theenclosure includes a top or a roof 204 and may include an openable doorwhich may be closed to protect the contents therein.

In embodiments, the plurality of walls are releasably engaged with oneor more frame sides, one or more frame ends, or a combination thereof,via one or more push-pins which engage a corresponding hole disposedthrough the deck. As is also shown, in embodiments the plurality ofwalls are releasably engaged with one another via one or more latches,one or more hook and loop fasteners, zippers, one or more hinges, ormore threaded fasteners, or a combination thereof.

In embodiments, two or more of the plurality of walls are hingedlyattached to one another 214 along a side oriented essentiallyperpendicular to the deck. In some embodiments, the hinge is simply abend in the material, e.g., a fold line in a cardboard panel. In otherembodiments, the hinge is a strap, or an actual hinge, depending on thematerial from which the walls are made.

In embodiments, walls are formed from wooden panels, cardboard, rigidcorrugated plastic sheeting, foamboard, sheet metal, or a combinationthereof. In other embodiments the walls are formed from a non-rigidmaterial such as a woven or non-woven cloth, plastic film or tarp,and/or the like engaged with or disposed over an underlying innersupport system, e.g., poles forming a skeletal structure with a tarp,plastic film, and/or cloth disposed thereover, optionally the coveringmaterial is engaged with a portion of the dolly, e.g., via hook & loop,grommets, cording, and/or the like. In embodiments, the top panels, whenpresent are formed from wooden panels, cardboard, rigid corrugatedplastic sheeting, sheet metal, flexible plastic film, woven fabric,non-woven fabric, or a combination thereof.

In embodiments, at least a portion of at least one of the walls ishingedly attached to an adjacent portion of the same wall or an adjacentwall to form a door to the enclosure. Likewise, portions of the wallsmay overlap with one-another and may further include connecting holes orother fasteners to allow portions of the enclosure to be connected toone another and/or the dolly.

In embodiments, the walls are provided in an accordion manner, e.g.,folding like the bellows of an accordion such that they comprise aplurality of panels, two of which are hingedly attached and/orreleasably attached to an adjacent panel along a single edge and theremaining panels are hingedly attached and/or releasably attached toadjacent panels on two edges, such that when in a collapsed position thewalls form a rectangular solid and when in an expended position thepanels form the walls about at least a portion of the deck perimeter212.

In embodiments, the walls are provided as pre-cut and creased carboardor other light weight material, having a folded arrangement dimensionedand arrangeable to be transported on the dolly when the dolly is in theclosed position, which opens up to form the enclosure in an extendedarrangement, which forms the enclosure over the deck when the dolly isin the open position. In embodiments, the enclosure is a single orlimited use item, e.g., carboard and/or plastic tarps. In otherembodiments, the enclosure is constructed for multiple uses, e.g.,wooden or metal panels, canvas or tarps covering a system of supportpoles similar to a tent, and/or the like.

In embodiments, the walls extend vertically upward to a height of atleast 1 meter, preferably 2 meters and less than 3 meters, whendetermined from the deck. In embodiments, the walls are formed from aplurality of interlocking or attachable panels, each having a widthgreater than or equal to about 1 ft (0.3 m), preferably 2 ft (0.6 m),preferably 3 ft (1.2 m).

In embodiments, the dolly further comprises one or more additionalsupport structures engaged with the frames, the deck, or a combinationthereof which provide for more efficient use and/or stowage ofparticular items commonly found in dwellings and office buildings. Inembodiments, the dolly further includes one or more additional supportsextending vertically upward from one or more portions of the deck. Inembodiments, the additional supports have a vertical height above thedeck, and as spaced apart horizontally about the deck in amountssufficient to allow various items e.g., furniture, to be stored betweenthe two supports, e.g., chairs, a love seat, a dresser, and/or the like,while further providing a support to allow a larger piece of furnitureand/or a shelf or other suitably sized support to be engaged with a tophorizontal portion of the supports allowing for additional items to bestacked above the items located at least partially between the twosupports.

As shown in FIG. 13, in embodiments, the supports comprise two or morerectangular or squared off U-shaped supports which engage the dolly viaholes or other attachments disposed in or placed on the deck. Thesupports are spaced apart 318 from one another to allow items to beplaced therebetween, while a horizontal portion 320 of each of thesupports provides a support for a larger or longer item to be placedthereon. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the twosquared off U-shaped supports 310 and 312 extend above the deck, and arespaced apart on the deck, in an amount sufficient to allow a love seat316 to be placed between the two supports. A sofa may then be placed onthe horizontal portions of the supports above the loveseat. Likewise,instead of a sofa, a shelf board could be placed across the supports toallow additional items to be stacked thereon for storage. As shown inFIG. 14, the two squared off U-shaped supports 310 and 312 (alsoreferred to herein simply as the “U-shaped supports”) may be dimensionedto allow at least a portion of a sofa or other item to protrude throughthe opening between the two vertical portions 322 of the supportallowing for two sofas to be stacked one on top of the other. Also shownis a cloths rack or hanging rack 324 engaged with the deck.

Other embodiments include a pair of vertical supports horizontallyspaced apart from one another on the deck and connected by a closet rodand/or the like, dimensioned and arranged to allow hanging clothes to bestored on the dolly. Other embodiments include vertical supportscomprising bins, baskets, and/or the like, which allow for storage ofsmaller items without having to be boxed prior to storage on the dolly.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of the hand truck 10 in the closed position14 further comprising a swing out support frame 400 having an upper end402 hingedly attached 404 to the rear side 66 of the center frame 54which is movable between an extended position 406 shown in FIG. 17, anda stored position 408 shown in FIG. 18. As shown in the figures, thesupport frame 400 is dimensioned and arranged such that when in thestored position 408, a lower end 410 of the support frame is near and/orin contact with a cross member e.g. 36, of the center frame 54 and doesnot extend below the bottom of the center frame 54. In other words, theswing out support frame folds inward so as not to protrude away from therear of the hand truck by a significant amount. As shown in FIG. 17,when the swing out support frame is in the extended position 406, thelower end 410 of the support frame 400 extends a distance away from theside members 66 such that the support frame forms an angle 414,indicated by the dotted lines, of greater than about 10° and less than90°, determined relative to the side members of the center frame, whichis preferably from about 20° to about 45°.

As shown in FIGS. 15-20. the support frame 400 may have a width 416which is less than or equal to an inner width 418 between the two sidemembers 26 and 30 of the center frame 54.

As shown in the figures, the support frame 400 is releasably engageable420 with the rear side 66 of the center frame 57 at a point between theupper end and the lower end of the support frame, which lockinglyengages the support frame 400 into the extended position 406.

In embodiments, the support frame 400 comprises a locking arm 422hingedly attached 432 to the support frame on a first end 424, and anopen slot 426 disposed through a second end 428 dimensioned and arrangedto engage a pin 430 attached to the rear 66 of the center frame 57.

In embodiments, the support frame 400 further comprises one or morewheels 412, e.g., casters, adapted to facilitate a rolling movement ofthe hand truck over an external surface when in the extended position406.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, in embodiments, the hand truck furthercomprises one or more handles 432, each extending away from and attachedto the rear side 66 of a corresponding side frame e.g., 57.

As shown in FIGS. 22-24, in embodiments, the hand truck furthercomprises supports that engage with the deck and/or the side members ofa frame to extend away from the deck when in the open position. Inembodiments, a U-shaped support 312 comprises two vertical portionsconnected to a horizontal portion, each of the vertical portions havinga first end releasably engaged with one or more frames, and/or the deckto extend away from the deck such that the horizontal portion isoriented essentially parallel to the deck between the two verticalportions (see FIG. 24). As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, in embodiments, theU-shaped support is dimensioned and arranged to removably engage therear side of the frame, e.g., via pins, clips 440, and/or the like, suchthat the support is essentially coplanar with the side members when thefirst end of the support is not engaged with one or more frames and/orthe deck to extend away from the deck, i.e., when in a storage positionor not being used.

Sofa Dolly

As shown in FIGS. 25-28, in a related embodiments, a sofa dolly 510comprises a base 512 defining a horizontal plane 514 oriented parallelto a support surface 516, e.g., a floor. The base 512 having a frontside 518 separated from a rear side 520 by a depth 22, and a right side24 separated from a left side 26 by a width 28. In embodiments, thedepth 522 is sufficient to support at least a portion of a sofa or otherpiece of furniture oriented with the long side of the piece of furnitureperpendicular to the rear side 20 of the dolly (not shown). In suchembodiments, the depth is greater than or equal to about 20 cm,preferably from about 20 cm to about 50 cm. In other embodiments, thedepth of the base 522 is sufficient to support a sofa or other piece offurniture oriented with the long side of the piece of furniture parallelto the rear side 520 of the dolly. In such embodiments, the depth isgreater than or equal to about 50 cm, preferably from about 50 cm toabout 150 cm. In embodiments, the width 528 is sufficient to support atleast a portion of a sofa or other piece of furniture oriented with thelong side of the piece of furniture perpendicular to the rear side 20 ofthe dolly. In such embodiments, the width 528 is greater than or equalto about 70 cm, preferably from about 70 cm to about 150 cm. In otherembodiments, the width of the base 528 is sufficient to support a sofaor other piece of furniture oriented with the long side of the piece offurniture parallel to the rear side 520 of the dolly. In suchembodiments, the width 528 is greater than or equal to about 70 cm,preferably from about 70 cm to about 200 cm.

In embodiments, the base 512 comprises a plurality of rollers, feet, orother such support structures 556 engaged with a lower face 558 of thebase 512 and arranged between the support surface 16 and the lower face558. This allows the dolly 510 to be movable once loaded with one ormore sofas or other piece(s) of furniture.

The dolly 510 further includes a plurality of vertical supports 530extending vertically away from the base 512 having a lower support end532 engaged with the base 512 separated from an upper support end 534 bya height 536. In embodiments, the height is grater then the typicalheight of a sofa or chair. In some embodiments, the height 536 is from100 cm to about 150 cm. In some embodiments the height 536 is adjustableby a telescoping arrangement 551 wherein each of the vertical supports530 comprises an inner assembly 538 bound by an outer assembly 540forming a releasably engageable, e.g., via pin 542, telescoping assembly551 proximate to the upper end 534 such that the height 536 of each ofthe plurality of vertical supports 530 may be varied.

In embodiments, each of the supports 530 further comprises a support arm544 having an inner arm end 550 engaged 546 with the upper support end534 and separated from an outer arm end 552 by an arm length 554. Thesupport arm 544 is positionable 548 to extend away from the verticalsupport 530 in a parallel orientation to the horizontal plane 514 of thebase 512.

In embodiments, the arm length 554 is sufficient to support at least aportion of a sofa or other piece of furniture oriented with the longside of the piece of furniture perpendicular to the rear side 520 of thedolly. In such embodiments, the arm length 554 is greater than or equalto about 20 cm, preferably from about 20 cm to about 50 cm. In otherembodiments, the arm length 554 is sufficient to support a sofa or otherpiece of furniture 600 (see FIGS. 29 and 30) oriented with the long sideof the piece of furniture parallel to the rear side 520 of the dolly. Insuch embodiments, the arm length 554 is greater than or equal to about50 cm, preferably from about 50 cm to about 150 cm.

In embodiments, each of the support arms 544 are rotationally engagedwith 548 and rotatable about the upper support end 534 of the verticalsupport 530. In one or more embodiments, the lower end 532 of a firstvertical support 530 a is engaged with the base 512 proximate to theright side 524 of the base 512, and the lower end 532 of a secondvertical support 530 b is engaged with the base 512 proximate to theleft side 526 of the base, or a combination thereof.

As shown FIGS. 29 and 30, in embodiments, two dollies may be used tosupport a sofa 600, which in an embodiment may also be joined togetherby a lateral support 602 and extension. As shown in FIG. 30. inembodiments, a second sofa or similar piece of furniture 604 or piecesof furniture may be supported by the base allowing for stacking of thetwo pieces of furniture.

The support arms may be locked in place with a pin to engage the supportarms further comprising a lateral support 590 (see FIG. 31) and alateral extension 592. In embodiments, each of the vertical supports 530are connected to each other with at least one horizontal stabilizer 560(see FIG. 28), preferably arranged proximate to the upper support end,which in embodiments is arranged parallel with the base, preferably therear side of the base. In some embodiments, each of the inner supportarm ends 550 are connected to each other with a rear horizontalstabilizer 562, which is preferably arranged parallel to the base 512,and/or the outer arm ends 552 of the support arms 544 are connected toeach other with a front horizontal stabilizer 564, which is preferablyarranged parallel to the rear horizontal stabilizer 562.

As shown in FIG. 29, in some of such embodiments, the sofa dolly 510further comprises a lateral connector 602 oriented essentiallyperpendicular to the horizontal stabilizer(s) 562 and 564 and parallelto and in between at least two of the vertical support arms 544connecting the lateral supports 590 or 592. In embodiments the lateralconnector 602 is engaged with the rear horizontal stabilizer 562 and thefront horizontal stabilizer 564, and extends away from the rearhorizontal stabilizer 562. FIGS. 29 and 30 show the support arms lockedinto a parallel arrangement with the base and further shows the lateralsupport. In such embodiments, the lateral connector 602 may bedimensioned and arranged to receive, and releasably engage e.g., via pin570, and/or a lateral connector extension dimensioned and arranged tojoin two such sofa dollies together via engagement of this lateralconnector extension 602 with another lateral connector of a second sofadolly

FIG. 28 shows a rear facing view of the dolly with the support armslocked into the parallel arrangement. As is also shown in FIG. 28, inembodiments the supports are arranged inward of the rear most edge ofthe base to add stability. In embodiments, the lateral connector may bereleasably joined to engage two dollies.

In embodiments, the lateral connector is hollow and the lateralconnector extension fits within the inner portion of the lateralconnector in a telescoping arrangement. In embodiments the lateralconnector and the lateral extension are releasably engaged with oneanother via pin in hole/slot or other such engagement mechanism suchthat when two dollies are joined together, the distance between the twodollies is adjustable.

FIG. 27 shows the sofa dolly with the arms in a downward position 610,e.g., which may be utilized for loading of the dolly and/or storage ofthe dolly.

EMBODIMENTS

The instant disclosure thus includes embodiments according to thefollowing.

-   E1. A hand truck comprising:    -   a plurality of frames, each defining a top end separated from a        bottom end by a height;    -   a first side comprising a first side member separated from a        second side comprising a second side member by a width, and        further comprising at least one cross member extending between        the first side member and the second side member;    -   a deck attached to a front side of one or more of the first        side, the second side or the at least one cross member,        dimensioned and arranged to cover at least a portion of the        width and the height defined by the frame;    -   wherein one of the plurality of frames forms a center frame and        comprises a wheel assembly attached to a rear side of the center        frame, proximate to the bottom end and comprising at least one        wheel adapted to facilitate a rolling movement of the hand truck        over an external surface;    -   each of the remaining plurality of frames forming side frames,        wherein the first side of the center frame is hingedly attached        to a second side of a first side frame; moveable between an open        position and a closed position such that in the open position,        the deck of the center frame is essentially coplanar with a deck        of the first side frame, and in the closed position the deck of        the center frame is non-coplanar with the deck of the first side        frame;    -   wherein the second side of the center frame is hingedly attached        to a first side of a third side frame; moveable between an open        position and a closed position such that in the open position,        the deck of the center frame is essentially coplanar with a deck        of the third side frame, and in the closed position the deck of        the center frame is non-coplanar with the deck of the third side        frame;    -   a swing out support frame having an upper end hingedly attached        to the rear side of the center frame which is movable between an        extended position and a stored position;    -   the support frame dimensioned and arranged such that when in the        stored position, a lower end of the support frame is near and/or        in contact with a cross member of the center frame and does not        extend below the bottom of the center frame, and when in the        extended position, the lower end of the support frame extends a        distance away from the side members such that the support frame        forms an angle of greater than about 10° and less than 90°,        determined relative to the side members of the center frame.-   E2. The hand truck according to embodiment E1, wherein the support    frame has a width less than or equal to an inner width between the    two side members of the center frame.-   E3. The hand truck according to embodiment E1 or E2, wherein the    support frame forms an angle of greater than about 20° and less than    45° when in the extended position.-   E4. The hand truck according to any one of embodiments E1-E3,    wherein the support frame is releasably engageable with the rear    side of the center frame at a point between the upper end and the    lower end of the support frame, which lockingly engages the support    frame into the extended position.-   E5. The hand truck according to any one of embodiments E1-E4,    wherein the support frame comprises a locking arm hingedly attached    to the support frame on a first end, and an open slot disposed    through a second end dimensioned and arranged to engage a pin    attached to the rear of the center frame.-   E6. The hand truck according to any one of embodiments E1-E5,    wherein the support frame further comprises one or more wheels    adapted to facilitate a rolling movement of the hand truck over an    external surface when in the extended position.-   E7. The hand truck according to any one of embodiments E1-E6,    further comprising one or more handles each extending away from and    attached to the rear side of a corresponding side frame.-   E8. The hand truck according to any one of embodiments E1-E7,    further comprising two or more U-shaped supports comprising two    vertical portions connected to a horizontal portion, each of the    vertical portions having a first end releasably engaged with one or    more frames, and/or the deck to extend away from the deck such that    the horizontal portion is oriented essentially parallel to the deck    between the two vertical portions;    -   wherein the U-shaped support is dimensioned and arranged to        removably engage the rear side of the frame such that the        support is essentially coplanar with the side members when the        first end of the support is not engaged with one or more frames,        and/or the deck to extend away from the deck.-   E9. The hand truck according to any one of embodiments E1-E8,    wherein the U-shaped support, and has a width less than or equal to    the width of the frame.-   E10. The hand truck according to any one of embodiments E1-E9,    wherein the U-shaped support removably engages the rear side of the    frame via one or more pins, clips, or a combination thereof.-   E11. The hand truck according to any one of embodiments E1-E10,    wherein a first side of the first side frame is hingedly attached to    a second side of a second side frame movable between an open    position and a closed position such that in the open position, the    deck of the first side frame is essentially coplanar with a deck of    the second side frame, and in the closed position, the deck of the    first side frame is non-coplanar with the deck of the center frame.-   E12. The hand truck according to any one of embodiments E1-E11,    wherein in the closed position, a front side of the deck of the    first side frame directly faces and is oriented essentially parallel    to a front side of the deck of the second side frame.-   E13. The hand truck according to any one of embodiments E1-E12,    wherein a second side of the third side frame is hingedly attached    to a first side of a fourth side frame movable between an open    position and a closed position such that in the open position, the    deck of the third side frame is essentially coplanar with a deck of    the fourth side frame, and in the closed position the deck of the    third side frame is non-coplanar with the deck of the center frame.-   E14. The hand truck according to any one of embodiments E1-E13,    wherein in the closed position, a front side of the deck of the    third side frame directly faces and is oriented essentially parallel    to a front side of the deck of the fourth side frame.-   E15. The hand truck according to any one of embodiments E1-E14,    wherein when all of the plurality of side frames are in the open    position, the decks of the side frames and the deck of the center    frame are essentially coplanar, and when all of the plurality of    side frames are in the closed position, the decks of each side frame    is essentially perpendicular to the deck of the center frame.-   E16. The hand truck according to any one of embodiments E1-E15,    wherein each side frame comprises at least one rear support attached    to and extending away from a rear side of the corresponding side    frame.-   E17. The hand truck according to any one of embodiments E1-E16,    wherein one or more of the side frames is removably hingedly    attached to the center frame, to another side frame, or both.-   E18. The hand truck according to any one of embodiments E1-E17,    further comprising one or more connector holes, clasps, or    engagement points dimensioned and arranged to allow releasable    engagement between at least one additional hand truck along a top    end, a bottom end or a side when all of the side frames of each hand    truck are in their open positions.-   E19. A hand truck comprising:    -   a plurality of frames, each defining a top end separated from a        bottom end by a height;    -   each frame comprising a first side comprising a first side        member separated from a second side comprising a second side        member by a width, and further comprising at least one cross        member extending between the first side member and the second        side member, and a deck attached to a front side of one or more        of the first side, the second side or the at least one cross        member, dimensioned and arranged to cover at least a portion of        the width and the height defined by the frame;    -   wherein one of the plurality of frames forms a center frame and        comprises a wheel assembly attached to a rear side of the center        frame, proximate to the bottom end and comprising at least one        wheel adapted to facilitate a rolling movement of the hand truck        over an external surface;    -   the remaining plurality of frames each forming one of a        plurality of side frames;    -   wherein the first side of the center frame is hingedly attached        to a second side of a first side frame and a first side of the        first side frame is hingedly attached to a second side of a        second side frame;    -   wherein the second side of the center frame is hingedly attached        to a first side of a third side frame and a second side of the        third side frame is hingedly attached to a first side of a        fourth side frame;    -   wherein each of the side frames are moveable between an open        position and a closed position such that in the open position,        the deck of the center frame is essentially coplanar with the        deck of each side frame, and in the closed position, the deck of        the center frame is non-coplanar with the deck of each side        frame;    -   wherein each of the frames have a total height of greater than        or equal to about 48 inches; and    -   wherein the hand truck has a total width of less than or equal        to about 30 inches when all of the side frames are in their        respective closed positions, and wherein the hand truck has a        total width of greater than or equal to about 70 inches when all        of the side frames are in their respective open positions;    -   a swing out support frame having an upper end hingedly attached        to the rear side of the center frame which is movable between an        extended position and a stored position;    -   the support frame dimensioned and arranged such that when in the        stored position, a lower end of the support frame is near and/or        in contact with a cross member of the center frame and does not        extend below the bottom of the center frame, and when in the        extended position, the lower end of the support frame extends a        distance away from the side members such that the support frame        forms an angle of greater than about 10° and less than 90°,        determined relative to the side members of the center frame.-   E20. A hand truck comprising:    -   a plurality of frames, each defining a top end separated from a        bottom end by a height;    -   a first side comprising a first side member separated from a        second side comprising a second side member by a width, and        further comprising at least one cross member extending between        the first side member and the second side member;    -   a deck attached to a front side of one or more of the first        side, the second side or the at least one cross member,        dimensioned and arranged to cover at least a portion of the        width and the height defined by the frame;    -   wherein one of the plurality of frames forms a center frame and        comprises a wheel assembly attached to a rear side of the center        frame, proximate to the bottom end and comprising at least one        wheel adapted to facilitate a rolling movement of the hand truck        over an external surface;-   each of the remaining plurality of frames forming side frames,    wherein the first side of the center frame is hingedly attached to a    second side of a first side frame; moveable between an open position    and a closed position such that in the open position, the deck of    the center frame is essentially coplanar with a deck of the first    side frame, and in the closed position the deck of the center frame    is non-coplanar with the deck of the first side frame; and-   wherein a first side of the first side frame is hingedly attached to    a second side of a second side frame movable between an open    position and a closed position such that in the open position, the    deck of the first side frame is essentially coplanar with a deck of    the second side frame, and in the closed position, the deck of the    first side frame is non-coplanar with the deck of the center frame;    -   a swing out support frame having an upper end hingedly attached        to the rear side of the center frame which is movable between an        extended position and a stored position;    -   the support frame dimensioned and arranged such that when in the        stored position, a lower end of the support frame is near and/or        in contact with a cross member of the center frame and does not        extend below the bottom of the center frame, and when in the        extended position, the lower end of the support frame extends a        distance away from the side members such that the support frame        forms an angle of greater than about 10° and less than 90°,        determined relative to the side members of the center frame.-   E21. A sofa dolly comprising:    -   a base defining a horizontal plane oriented parallel to a        support surface, the base having a front side separated from a        rear side by a depth and a right side separated from a left side        by a width;    -   a plurality of vertical supports extending vertically away from        the base having a lower support end engaged with the base        separated from an upper support end by a height;    -   each of the supports further comprising a support arm having an        inner arm end engaged with the upper support end and separated        from an outer arm end by an arm length, the support arm        positionable to extend away from the vertical support parallel        to the horizontal plane of the base.-   E22. The sofa dolly of embodiment E21, wherein the base comprises a    plurality of rollers engaged with a lower face of the base and    arranged between the support surface and the lower face.-   E23. The sofa dolly of embodiment E21 or E22, wherein each of the    support arms is rotationally engaged with and rotatable about the    upper support end.-   E24. The sofa dolly of any one of embodiment E21 through E23,    wherein the lower end of a first vertical support is engaged with    the base proximate to the right side of the base, and the lower end    of a second vertical support is engaged with the base proximate to    the left side of the base.-   E25. The sofa dolly of any one of embodiment E21 through E24,    wherein each of the vertical supports comprises an inner assembly    bound by an outer assembly forming a releasably engageable    telescoping assembly proximate to the upper end such that the height    of each of the plurality of vertical supports may be varied.-   E26. The sofa dolly of any one of embodiment E21 through E25,    wherein each of the vertical supports are connected to each other    with one or more horizontal stabilizers, preferably proximate to the    upper support end oriented parallel with the rear side of the base.-   E27. The sofa dolly of any one of embodiment E21 through E26,    wherein each of the support arms are connected to each other with    one or more support stabilizers oriented parallel to the base.-   E28. The sofa dolly of any one of embodiment E21 through E27,    wherein the inner support arm ends are connected to each other with    a rear horizontal stabilizer, which is preferably arranged parallel    to the base and/or the outer support arm ends are connected to each    other with a front horizontal stabilizer, which is preferably    arranged parallel to the rear side of the base.-   E29. The sofa dolly of any one of embodiment E21 through E28,    further comprising a lateral connector oriented parallel to and in    between at least two of the vertical supports, engaged with the rear    horizontal stabilizer, the front horizontal stabilizer, or both,    having a connector length which is greater than or equal to a    distance between the front and rear horizontal stabilizers,    preferably greater than or equal to the arm length.-   E30. The sofa dolly of any one of embodiment E21 through E29,    wherein the lateral connector is dimensioned and arranged to receive    and releasably engage a second lateral connector, dimensioned and    arranged to join two such sofa dollies together via engagement of    the second lateral connector with the lateral connector of both sofa    dollies.-   E31. The sofa dolly of any one of embodiment E21 through E30,    wherein the base is the hand truck according to any one of    embodiments E1-E20, and wherein the plurality of vertical supports    are adapted to engage the deck and/or the side members of one or    more of the frames.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments aremerely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, andthat this invention is not limited to the specific constructions andarrangements shown and described, since various other modifications arepossible. Those skilled, in the art will appreciate that variousadaptations and modifications of the just described preferred embodimentcan be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope ofthe appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than asspecifically described herein.

I claim:
 1. A hand truck comprising: a plurality of frames, eachdefining a top end separated from a bottom end by a height; a first sidecomprising a first side member separated from a second side comprising asecond side member by a width, and further comprising at least one crossmember extending between the first side member and the second sidemember; a deck attached to a front side of one or more of the firstside, the second side or the at least one cross member, dimensioned andarranged to cover at least a portion of the width and the height definedby the frame; wherein one of the plurality of frames forms a centerframe and comprises a wheel assembly attached to a rear side of thecenter frame, proximate to the bottom end and comprising at least onewheel adapted to facilitate a rolling movement of the hand truck over anexternal surface; each of the remaining plurality of frames forming sideframes, wherein the first side of the center frame is hingedly attachedto a second side of a first side frame; moveable between an openposition and a closed position such that in the open position, the deckof the center frame is essentially coplanar with a deck of the firstside frame, and in the closed position the deck of the center frame isnon-coplanar with the deck of the first side frame; wherein the secondside of the center frame is hingedly attached to a first side of a thirdside frame; moveable between an open position and a closed position suchthat in the open position, the deck of the center frame is essentiallycoplanar with a deck of the third side frame, and in the closed positionthe deck of the center frame is non-coplanar with the deck of the thirdside frame; a swing out support frame having an upper end hingedlyattached to the rear side of the center frame which is movable betweenan extended position and a stored position; the support framedimensioned and arranged such that when in the stored position, a lowerend of the support frame is near and/or in contact with a cross memberof the center frame and does not extend below the bottom of the centerframe, and when in the extended position, the lower end of the supportframe extends a distance away from the side members such that thesupport frame forms an angle of greater than about 10° and less than90°, determined relative to the side members of the center frame.
 2. Thehand truck of claim 1, wherein the support frame has a width less thanor equal to an inner width between the two side members of the centerframe.
 3. The hand truck of claim 1, wherein the support frame forms anangle of greater than about 20° and less than 45° when in the extendedposition.
 4. The hand truck of claim 1, wherein the support frame isreleasably engageable with the rear side of the center frame at a pointbetween the upper end and the lower end of the support frame, whichlockingly engages the support frame into the extended position.
 5. Thehand truck of claim 4, wherein the support frame comprises a locking armhingedly attached to the support frame on a first end, and an open slotdisposed through a second end dimensioned and arranged to engage a pinattached to the rear of the center frame.
 6. The hand truck of claim 1,wherein the support frame further comprises one or more wheels adaptedto facilitate a rolling movement of the hand truck over an externalsurface when in the extended position.
 7. The hand truck of claim 1,further comprising one or more handles each extending away from andattached to the rear side of a corresponding side frame.
 8. The handtruck of claim 1, further comprising two or more U-shaped supportscomprising two vertical portions connected to a horizontal portion, eachof the vertical portions having a first end releasably engaged with oneor more frames, and/or the deck to extend away from the deck such thatthe horizontal portion is oriented essentially parallel to the deckbetween the two vertical portions; wherein the U-shaped support isdimensioned and arranged to removably engage the rear side of the framesuch that the support is essentially coplanar with the side members whenthe first end of the support is not engaged with one or more frames,and/or the deck to extend away from the deck.
 9. The hand truck of claim8, wherein the U-shaped support, and has a width less than or equal tothe width of the frame.
 10. The hand truck of claim 8, wherein theU-shaped support removably engages the rear side of the frame via one ormore pins, clips, or a combination thereof.
 11. The hand truck of claim1, wherein a first side of the first side frame is hingedly attached toa second side of a second side frame movable between an open positionand a closed position such that in the open position, the deck of thefirst side frame is essentially coplanar with a deck of the second sideframe, and in the closed position, the deck of the first side frame isnon-coplanar with the deck of the center frame.
 12. The hand truck ofclaim 1, wherein in the closed position, a front side of the deck of thefirst side frame directly faces and is oriented essentially parallel toa front side of the deck of the second side frame.
 13. The hand truck ofclaim 1, wherein a second side of the third side frame is hingedlyattached to a first side of a fourth side frame movable between an openposition and a closed position such that in the open position, the deckof the third side frame is essentially coplanar with a deck of thefourth side frame, and in the closed position the deck of the third sideframe is non-coplanar with the deck of the center frame.
 14. The handtruck of claim 13, wherein in the closed position, a front side of thedeck of the third side frame directly faces and is oriented essentiallyparallel to a front side of the deck of the fourth side frame.
 15. Thehand truck of claim 1, wherein when all of the plurality of side framesare in the open position, the decks of the side frames and the deck ofthe center frame are essentially coplanar, and when all of the pluralityof side frames are in the closed position, the decks of each side frameis essentially perpendicular to the deck of the center frame.
 16. Thehand truck of claim 1, wherein each side frame comprises at least onerear support attached to and extending away from a rear side of thecorresponding side frame.
 17. The hand truck of claim 1, wherein one ormore of the side frames is removably hingedly attached to the centerframe, to another side frame, or both.
 18. The hand truck of claim 1,further comprising one or more connector holes, clasps, or engagementpoints dimensioned and arranged to allow releasable engagement betweenat least one additional hand truck along a top end, a bottom end or aside when all of the side frames of each hand truck are in their openpositions.
 19. A hand truck comprising: a plurality of frames, eachdefining a top end separated from a bottom end by a height; each framecomprising a first side comprising a first side member separated from asecond side comprising a second side member by a width, and furthercomprising at least one cross member extending between the first sidemember and the second side member, and a deck attached to a front sideof one or more of the first side, the second side or the at least onecross member, dimensioned and arranged to cover at least a portion ofthe width and the height defined by the frame; wherein one of theplurality of frames forms a center frame and comprises a wheel assemblyattached to a rear side of the center frame, proximate to the bottom endand comprising at least one wheel adapted to facilitate a rollingmovement of the hand truck over an external surface; the remainingplurality of frames each forming one of a plurality of side frames;wherein the first side of the center frame is hingedly attached to asecond side of a first side frame and a first side of the first sideframe is hingedly attached to a second side of a second side frame;wherein the second side of the center frame is hingedly attached to afirst side of a third side frame and a second side of the third sideframe is hingedly attached to a first side of a fourth side frame;wherein each of the side frames are moveable between an open positionand a closed position such that in the open position, the deck of thecenter frame is essentially coplanar with the deck of each side frame,and in the closed position, the deck of the center frame is non-coplanarwith the deck of each side frame; wherein each of the frames have atotal height of greater than or equal to about 48 inches; and whereinthe hand truck has a total width of less than or equal to about 30inches when all of the side frames are in their respective closedpositions, and wherein the hand truck has a total width of greater thanor equal to about 70 inches when all of the side frames are in theirrespective open positions; a swing out support frame having an upper endhingedly attached to the rear side of the center frame which is movablebetween an extended position and a stored position; the support framedimensioned and arranged such that when in the stored position, a lowerend of the support frame is near and/or in contact with a cross memberof the center frame and does not extend below the bottom of the centerframe, and when in the extended position, the lower end of the supportframe extends a distance away from the side members such that thesupport frame forms an angle of greater than about 10° and less than90°, determined relative to the side members of the center frame.
 20. Ahand truck comprising: a plurality of frames, each defining a top endseparated from a bottom end by a height; a first side comprising a firstside member separated from a second side comprising a second side memberby a width, and further comprising at least one cross member extendingbetween the first side member and the second side member; a deckattached to a front side of one or more of the first side, the secondside or the at least one cross member, dimensioned and arranged to coverat least a portion of the width and the height defined by the frame;wherein one of the plurality of frames forms a center frame andcomprises a wheel assembly attached to a rear side of the center frame,proximate to the bottom end and comprising at least one wheel adapted tofacilitate a rolling movement of the hand truck over an externalsurface; each of the remaining plurality of frames forming side frames,wherein the first side of the center frame is hingedly attached to asecond side of a first side frame; moveable between an open position anda closed position such that in the open position, the deck of the centerframe is essentially coplanar with a deck of the first side frame, andin the closed position the deck of the center frame is non-coplanar withthe deck of the first side frame; and wherein a first side of the firstside frame is hingedly attached to a second side of a second side framemovable between an open position and a closed position such that in theopen position, the deck of the first side frame is essentially coplanarwith a deck of the second side frame, and in the closed position, thedeck of the first side frame is non-coplanar with the deck of the centerframe; a swing out support frame having an upper end hingedly attachedto the rear side of the center frame which is movable between anextended position and a stored position; the support frame dimensionedand arranged such that when in the stored position, a lower end of thesupport frame is near and/or in contact with a cross member of thecenter frame and does not extend below the bottom of the center frame,and when in the extended position, the lower end of the support frameextends a distance away from the side members such that the supportframe forms an angle of greater than about 10° and less than 90°,determined relative to the side members of the center frame.